LAUSD Teacher, 43, Accused Of Sexually Abusing Her Student, 13: LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 43-year-old teacher in the San Fernando Valley was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexually abusing her 13-year-old student, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police arrested Colleen Jo Matarico, of Valley Village, Thursday on suspicion of giving a student marijuana and repeatedly sexually abusing the child, according to the LAPD. Now detectives are asking for additional victims to come forward, the LAPD announced.

"Matarico, a teacher, groomed and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old victim in her classroom, and later convinced the victim to have sexual intercourse in her vehicle," the LAPD said in a written statement. "Detectives believe there are additional, unidentified victims of Matarico who have yet to come forward."

Matarico is listed as a teacher at John Burroughs Middle School in the Brookside area on the school's website. According to her linkedin profile, she is a special education teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Matarico is being held on $1.3 million bail, and she has been charged with five counts of lewd acts with a minor, 2 counts of lewd acts with a minor 14 or 15 years old, and one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor.

Detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim or has additional information regarding Colleen
Jo Matarico to contact Juvenile Division detectives at 424-259-7097. During non-business hours
or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).